MKO Acknowledges today as National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

For immediate release
December 6, 2019

MKO remembers the Dec 6 tragedy at l’Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal and acknowledges today as National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB- Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is issuing this statement in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The day falls on December 6 each year in remembrance of a horrendous act of violence against 14 women who were murdered at t l’École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989.

MKO also remembers all the other missing and murdered women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ relatives who have lost their lives to gender-based violence and to those who continue to experience it.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee states:

“On behalf of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, I call on all community members to stand against all forms of gender-based violence and work together to foster healthy and safer communities where women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ relatives can live in a world that empowers them when faced with violence and harmful behaviours. Let us come together collectively to prevent further tragedies from happening in our communities by learning from our pasts and listening to our impacted families and survivors.

MKO will continue to advocate for all 231 Calls for Justice to be implemented by all levels of government, address racism, discrimination, harassment, and sexual violence against Indigenous community members.”

Heidi Spence- MMIWG Liaison Director states:

“MKO’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s and Girls Liaison Unit is participating in various community-based activities that honor the lives of all women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ who have lost their lives to violence, while supporting families and communities who are impacted by the issue of MMIWG in addition to supporting survivors of violence.”

Anyone who needs to access support from our Unit can call us toll free at 1-800-442-0488 or at 204-677-1648. If you need to speak with someone for support or emergency counselling, the following services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Klinic Crisis Line: 1-888-322-3019

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1-888-292-7565

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For More information:
Philip Paul-Martin, Communications Officer
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.
Office: 204-927-7500
Cell: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]